What is a scrimshaw knife?

What is a scrimshaw knife?

Scrimshaw is an early American art form originating from the whaling industry in the late 1700’s. During the many idle hours at sea, a whaler etched drawings of nautical themes on items that were readily available to him such as sperm whale teeth and bones. One Natural Bone Handled Pocket Knife (Imported)

How do I know if my scrimshaw is real?

It can be difficult to tell an original piece of scrimshaw from a forgery. The easiest way to tell definitively whether a piece is real ivory is by using the “hot pin test,” in which a pin is heated to nearly red hot and then its tip is touched to an inconspicuous part of the object.

What can I scrimshaw on?

Bone would be the most traditional and effective surface to use instead of ivory. However, if you don’t have access to bone, the next best ivory substitute to use for scrimshaw would be polymer or shell. You can also use old ivory piano keys or even white acrylic, if you have access to it.

What is a Deejo knife?

Deejo is an international brand dedicated to manufacturing distinctive-looking, premium quality, ultra-lightweight knives, and their accessories. Deejo Knives was created to rekindle the desire to own a pocket knife that complementing individual style and offers unmatched performance.

Can scrimshaw be sold?

Under the Endangered Species Act, any scrimshaw item that can be proved to be 100 or more years old can be sold interstate; any other item cannot. Reproductions, copies and fake scrimshaw items often can fool the novice.

Does scrimshaw have any value?

Prices range from less than $1,000 to $75,000 or more, with ongoing scholarship increasing the interest of collectors and the values of scrimshaw. Made as gifts, scrimshaw teeth depict the images that were most important to a sailor: whaling scenes, ships, women, patriotic motifs, idyllic homesteads.

Can you do scrimshaw on bone?

Find a piece of ivory substitute or bone to make your scrimshaw on. Bone would be the most traditional and effective surface to use instead of ivory. You can also use old ivory piano keys or even white acrylic, if you have access to it.